The nonprofit biotech ALS Therapy Development Institute plans to launch a phase 2 trial to determine the safety and tolerability of TDI 132 — also known as fingolimod — in ALS.

Fingolimod (brand name Gilenya) is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. In humans, Gilenya inhibits certain immune system cells from entering the central nervous system, where they can result in damage to motor neurons.